Disassembling a modern smartphone is always a balance between the desire to fix the device with your own hands and the fear of damaging fragile components. Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 was no exception: the company’s engineers used a combined design, where the glass rear panel is glued to the frame and the screen is protected by a complex system of plumes. Before proceeding to physical impact, you need to clearly understand that any intervention can lead to a loss of warranty if it is still relevant.
The challenge is that disassembling the body requires heating the adhesive and carefully uncoupling many thin connectors. The rush at any stage can be fatal to the display matrix or battery. In this article, we will look at the dismantling process in detail, paying special attention to the nuances of working with adhesives and plumes.
Tools and workplace preparation required
You can't disassemble quality without a specialized tool, and using knives or needles from a kitchen kit is a direct route to scratching the frame and damaging the internal components. You'll need a set of precision screwdrivers, because the screws in the Redmi Note 8 come in different sizes and types of slits.
To work with the adhesive layer that holds the back cover, you need a heat source. This can be a professional heat pad, a hair dryer or, in extreme cases, a heating pad, although the latter option is less effective. Also remember to prepare plastic mediators (scapula) and a sucker.
- 🔧 Set of screwdrivers (cross-crosses) PH000, PH00)
- 🔥 Hazer or heating platform
- 📱 Plastic blades and mediators
- 🧲 Magnetic screw-sorting mat
- 🧤 Antistatic gloves (recommended)
Organize your workspace so that nothing interferes with your movements. Light should fall evenly, without glare, so you can see the small details. Before starting work, it is recommended to turn off your smartphone and discharge the battery below 25% to minimize the risk of fire if the battery is accidentally damaged.
Removal of the back cover and access to the insides
The first step is always to remove the back panel. Unlike the old models, where the lid was just removed, in the Redmi Note 8, it is attached to two-part glue around the perimeter. Heat the edges of the body to a temperature of 80-90 degrees Celsius. Keep the hair dryer at a distance of 3-5 cm, constantly moving it so as not to overheat one point.
⚠️ Warning: Do not heat the central back too much as the battery is below it. Excessive heating can cause the battery to bloat or catch fire.
After heating, gently insert the suction cup at the bottom of the back cover and pull up slightly to create a gap. Insert a thin plastic blade into the resulting gap. Driving the tool along the perimeter, cutting the adhesive layer. Move slowly, feeling resistance.
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If the lid doesn't lend itself, don't pull force. Add a little more heat, especially to the corner areas where the glue is usually the most.
Be very careful in the area of the camera module, where the glass may be thinner, and the risk of splitting it is much higher, when the lid is completely unstuck, put it in a safe place.
Dismantling the protective bar and disconnecting the plumes
Once you remove the back cover, you'll see a plastic safety bar covering the main connectors and the battery, and it's secured by a lot of screws of different calibers, and it's important to remember the location of each screw, because they're different in length and diameter.
Use a magnetic mat or a sheet of paper with a schematic board pattern to spread the screws in the order in which you unscrew them. An assembly error when a long screw hits the hole for a short one can damage the motherboard or break the insulation.
☑️ Procedure for disconnecting plumes
When you take the bar off, first you disconnect the battery connector, and this will turn the battery off, and it will keep you from shorting when you're working with other plumes, and use a plastic blade to push the connector upwards, avoiding metal objects.
Next, carefully disable the display and touchscreen plumes, which can be protected by additional latchholders or metal press plates, and if you plan to replace the display module completely, this is a critical step.
Removal of the battery and replacement of components
The battery in the Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 is also attached to the glue, but already on the inside of the case. To remove it, you often need to remove an additional plastic pad or speaker if they interfere with access to the tongue to pull. In some versions, the tongue is missing, and the battery has to be carefully smacked with a spatula.
Never try to remove the battery by putting it on the top edge next to the plume, which is guaranteed to damage the connector. Move the tool along the side faces, gradually separating the adhesive layer. If the battery is swelling, handle it with utmost care.
| Component | Type of attachment | Risks of withdrawal |
|---|---|---|
| Back cover. | Perimeter glue | Breaking glass, scratching on the frame |
| Protective bar. | Screws (different) | Carving failure, screw mixup |
| Battery | Double-sided scotch | Puncture of the hull, fire |
| Camera module | Glue + screws | Lens damage, plume damage. |
When installing a new battery, make sure that the contact area on the board is clean. If the old glue remains on the case, it must be carefully removed so that the new battery will lie flat and tight.
Removal of the display module and work with the frame
Replacing the screen with the Redmi Note 8 often requires removing the bezels completely or carefully separating the display from them. If you change the screen with the bezels (assembly), the task is simple: just move the motherboard and battery to the new case, which is the safest option for beginners.
If you change only the glass or the matrix, you have to separate the display from the metal frame, and this requires heating around the perimeter of the front, and be prepared for the fact that if you remove it carelessly, the rear window can burst, because the pressure is transmitted to the entire structure.
Nuances of working with OLED and IPS
The plume of the display passes through a narrow hole in the frame. When assembled, make sure that it is not twisted or clamped with metal elements. Any pressure on the plume in the assembled state can lead to stripes on the screen.
⚠️ Warning: When installing a new glass or module, be sure to use a new glue or special adhesive strips (B-7000). Old glue will not provide tightness and protection from dust.
Assembly of the device and verification of functionality
The assembly is done in reverse order, but requires even more care. First, install the battery and connect it to the board without fixing it with screws, turn on the phone to check the performance of the touchscreen, matrix, sound and cameras.
If all tests are successful, turn off the device, disconnect the battery and proceed to the final fixation. Twirl all the screws of the protective bar, keeping order (usually from center to edges or diagonally for a uniform press).
Apply a new layer of glue to the end of the body before sticking the back cover, spread it evenly, and press the lid tightly, lock the device with rubber bands or a weight for 15-20 minutes for primary glue polymerization.
Once assembled, wipe the body of the glue residue and check all the buttons and connectors. The device is ready for use.
Frequent Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
One of the most common mistakes is to ignore the heating temperature. Underheating causes the lid to break when you try to break away, and overheating damages the display or battery. Find a middle ground by practicing the warmth sensation with your hand.
The second mistake is losing the screws or using the wrong tools. A slicked screw is extremely difficult to pull back. Use good-quality screwdrivers with a good magnet.
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The rule of successful disassembly is patience. Don't force things if the part doesn't go, look for a hidden screw or a hot patch of glue.
Also, you often forget to re-paint the case, which in the future will lead to moisture and dust entering the smartphone. Don't skimp on consumables, as leakproofness is an important part of electronics protection.